What does "cows" mean?

1. (farm animals) more than one cow; large animals kept on farms for milk or beef. 2. (to intimidate) to frighten or threaten someone so they do what you want.

How do you use "cows"?

This is the third-person singular form of the verb 'to cow'.

cows

n. · v.

US //ˈkaʊz// UK //kˈaʊz// cows

1 farm animals (n.)
A1 Beginner

more than one cow; large animals kept on farms for milk or beef.

the plural form of cow, referring to mature female bovines or cattle in general.

Example

The cows were grazing peacefully in the green field behind the barn.

Example

The farmer moved the cows to the upper pasture to ensure they had access to fresh grass throughout the dry summer months.
- cattle
- bovines
2 to intimidate (v.)
C1 Advanced Literary

to frighten or threaten someone so they do what you want.

to intimidate or overawe someone, typically through a show of force or authority. Transitive in use.

Example

He often cows his younger brothers into doing his chores for him.

Example

The dictator cows the local population into submission through a combination of economic pressure and the constant threat of military intervention.

Usage

This is the third-person singular form of the verb 'to cow'.
- intimidates
- frightens
- bullies
- encourages
- emboldens

Idioms2 entries